Ice maker dispenser control



July 4, 1967 D. F. swANsoN ET AL 3,329,223

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.Q6 v HOLDING colL 76 '77 WK.- o c 3,329,223 ICE MAKER DISPENSER CONTROL Donald F. Swanson and Leonard W. Ohlsson, St. Paul,

Minn., assignors to Whirlpool Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed Jan. 5, 1965, Ser. No. 423,467 11 Claims. (Cl. 177-80) This invention relates to ice maker apparatus and especially to a control system for use in such apparatus for dispensing ice bodies in response to payment of a purchase price and for elfecting agitation of the ice bodies in a collection space within the apparatus.

In one conventional form of a-n ice maker apparatus, ice bodies are formed by suitable forming means, harvested, and delivered to a collecting space, or bin, where they are stored for subsequent withdrawal by the user. In such dispensing apparatus, the ice bodies are moved from the collecting bin to a location accessible to the user, this transfer being accomplished by conveyor means. Further, in such apparatus, means are provided for agitating ice bodies in the collecting bin to maintain the ice bodies as separate elements.

A principal feature of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved control system for controlling ice dispensing and delivery operations in an ice body supply apparatus.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a new and improved control system for controlling delivery operations and agitating operations during delivery and agitation cycles in an ice maker of the type including a storage space for collected ice bodies.

A further feature of the control system of the present invention is the arrangement thereof for controlling an ice vending or delivery cycle to prevent unauthorized or excessive delivery of ice bodies, without requiring locking of the access door during the delivery cycle.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of control means providing a delivery cycle which is terminated by the delivery of a predetermined weight of ice bodies to the ice body receiver and which includes further means for terminating ice delivery after expiration of a predetermined time interval regardless of the weight of ice bodies delivered.

A further feature is the provision of a control means providing for interrupting an agitation cycle upon initiation of an ice delivery cycle, and permitting control of both the agitation and delivery cycles independently of each other.

Yet another feature of the invention is the provision of such a control for preventing initiation of a delivery cycle upon occurrence of an empty ice storage space condition, and where a bag is dispensed for receiving and holding the dispensed ice bodies, upon occurrence of an vempty ice bag dispenser condition.

Still another feature is the provision of means for interrupting an ice delivery and/or ice agitation cycle responsive to the opening of an access door at the point of delivery of the ice bodies to the customer.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings whe-rein:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation, with various internal elements indicated in dotted lines, of an ice maker apparatus embodying the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a right side elevation thereof; and

FIGURE 3 is a wiring diagram of the control system of the apparatus of FIGURES 1 and 2.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGURES 1 through 3, an ice making apparatus 12 is shown to include an ice making section 13 and an 1United States. Patent O ice collection and storage space, or ice bin, 14 dened by upstanding walls 15 and a lower partition wall 16 sloping toward a conveyor system 17. Partition wall 16 is supported by the walls 15 and is disposed to intercept :ice bodies delivered by gravity from the ice making section 13. The collected ice bodies are removed from the bin 14 by the conveyor system 17 through an outlet opening 18 in partition wall 16.

The ice making apparatus 12 further includes `a coin box 21 having a coin receiver slot -22 for receiving coins deposited by a customer. Responsive to insertion of the coins, the device dispenses a quantity of ice corresponding to the specific amount deposited. Further, a delivery apparatus 23 is provided for delivering a suitable container, such as a bag, through a slot 24 for use by the customer in containing the dispensed ice bodies.

The bag providing apparatus is arranged to supply bags of appropriate size to contain the amount of ice to be dispensed, the bag -being supplied at slot 24 responsive to the depositing of the coins by the customer in coin box 21. An excellent example of a bag providing apparatus suitable for use herein is disclosed in the United States patent application of L. W. Ohlsson et al., Ser. No. 379,845, tiled on July 2, 1964, entitled Ice Maker Bag Dispenser and owned by the assignee hereof. Briefly, the bag providing apparatus includes a bag dispensing motor drive 2S for pushing a bag outwardly through slot 24 suiiciently to be withdrawn from slot 24 by the customer. A limit switch 26 is provided for engaging the bags in the supply, the switch 26 being closed until the last bag is dispensed, whereupon switch 26 is spring urged to an open position.

After the dispensed bag is opened by the customer, he may open an access door 27 on vend box 28 and position the bag in a weighing box 29 for receiving ice bodies from the delivery apparatus. Weighing box 29 is supported by a compression spring 32 providing for limited reciprocal vertical movement. Delivery of ice is then initiated by the customer pressing a vend button 33.

Agitation of the ice bodies in bin 14 is periodically effected herein to separate any ice bodies which may become partially fused together as by slight melting and refreezing thereof. The agitation herein is effected by conveyor system 17 which is selectively operated in a direction opposite to its direction of operation during ice delivery. Herein, the agitation cycle is periodically, automatically initiated and is of short duration.

An excellent ice storage and conveyor structure which may be used herein is disclosed in Winkler et al. United States Letters Patent No. 3,255,968, issued Dec. 28, 1965, and entitled Ice Maker Dispensing Apparatus. Briefly, the apparatus includes the rstorage bin 14 having the outlet opening 18, a driven belt conveyor 34 for receiving ice bodies at bin outlet opening 18 and for moving the ice bodies to a delivery station in the upper portion of the bag weighing box 29 to deliver the ice bodies into an open bag placed in weighing -box 29, and a pair of opposing augers 35 and 36 for delivering ice bodies in storage bin 14 through outlet 18 to belt conveyor 34. '1l-he augers 35 and 36 are mounted on a driven shaft 37 for rotation therewith in either .rotational direction. Shaft 37 is supported at its ends by journals 38. The augers spiral in opposite directions relative to each other so that by driving shaft 37 in a forward direction both of the augers 35 and 36 are caused to urge ice bodies toward and through opening 18, while driving the shaft in a reverse direction causes the augers to urge ice bodies toward the ends of bin 14, resulting in agitation of ice bodies as described in the above discussed Winkler et al. patent application. Belt conveyor 34 is driven from a belt driven in turn by motor 42. Shaft 37 is driven directly by motor 42 through a suitable conventional drive system. Motor 42 is selectively reversible, the reversal of output shaft rotation being obtained herein by reversing the phase winding of the motor.

A pressure-sensitive switch 43 is provided in the bin 14, being held closed by the presence of ice bodies therein, the switch .being normally spring urged to open position.

The ice vending `apparatus illustrated in the drawings, as has been noted, provides both a delivery cycle and an agitation cycle. The delivery cycle is initiated by the customers depositing of the correct amount of money in the coin receiver slot 22 and, after withdrawal of the dispensed bag from slot 24, depressing switch 33. Herein, the duration of the agitation cycle is controlled by a timer 44 (FIGURE 3), the cycle being initiated by a switch 45 controlled by timer 44, switch 45 being held in closed position only during the interval being timed.

The delivery cycle is terminated by a weight switch 46 -upon delivery of the predetermined amount of ice bodies. Weight switch 46 is a limit switch operated by downward movement of the ice weighing box 29 when suicient ice bodies are delivered to compress spring 32 a predetermined distance. Additionally, a timer 47 operates a switch 48 to terminate the delivery cycle after a preselected time even though the weighing box 29 is not depressed sutliciently to open switch 46. The timer 47 holds the switch 48 closed during a preset timed interval normally suicient to permit dispensing the full amount of ice bodies desired by the customer.

A further control for the delivery cycle, bag switch 26 is arranged to prevent initiation of the delivery cycle whenever bag dispenser 23 is empty. Similarly, bin switch 43 prevents initiation of the delivery cycle whenever the ice storage bin 141 is empty.

The agitation control includes a relay switch 53 provided to terminate the agitation cycle responsive to initiation of a delivery cycle where switch 33 is closed during an agitation cycle. Further, a weight switch 54, mounted in the same manner as weight switch 46 but responsive to a lesser amount of downward movement of weighing box 29, is provided to prevent initiation of an agitation cycle until motor 42 is fully stopped after any previous delivery cycle, as the sensing of a dispensed ice body weight in weighing box 29 less than the total weight to be delivered, indicates operation of the delivery cycle. The weight switch 46 is arranged to be closed by a weight in box 29 greater than a predetermined value.

The control means are further arranged to be responsive to the opening of the access door 27. For this purpose, a door switch 55 is opened and closed by the opening and closing of door 27. The door switch 55 does not affect the circuit of the reset timer 47, but is arranged to deenergize motor 42 during the delivery cycle thereby to stop the augers 35 and 36 and conveyor 34. This switch 55 further is arranged to turn off a vend light 56 which is normally lit during the ice delivery cycle. Opening of access door 27, and thus switch 55, further results in preventing initiation ot the timed periodic agitation and stops any agitation cycle which may have been previously inti'ated.

Referring now to the wiring diagram of FIGURE 3, the operation of the ice maker may be seen with respect to the various relays and switches, the switches being controlled by each relay being indicated by dotted lines running between the switch to the relay. Thus, the customer irst deposits the required coins in the coin slot 22 of coin box 21 which includes the coin receiver mechanism. The coin receiver mechanism may be of conventional design including switch means corresponding to various coin values land arranged to be close-d by coins of the proper value. Also mounted at box 21 are an Empty lamp 57 for designating an empty condition ofthe bag providing apparatus 23 or the ice storage bin, a motor 58 and a cam driven switch 61, a stepper vend switch 62, coin switches 63-65, a stepper electromagnet 66, a coin return electromagnet 67, a manually operable cancel switch 68 for returning coins prior to delivery of ice, an escrow coin return solenoid 69 controlled by switch 68, an escrow cash box solenoid 72 for delivering money to the cash box if ice is delivered, and a reset switch 73 controlled by solenoid 69. The remainder of the components of the wiring diagram of FIGURE 3 are mounted as desired in casing 15 by suitable and conventional means. Power is supplied to the system of FIGURE 3 through power lines L1 and L2 from a suitable power source.

In the illustrated coin receiver mechanism, switch 63 is momentarily closed by a nickel, switches 63 and 64 are successively momentarily closed by a dime, and switch 65 is closed by a quarter. Momentary closing of switches 63 and 64 to their y positions furnishes electrical impulses to the stepper electromagnet 66, through the x positions of twenty-live cent coin switch 65, bag switch 26, ice bin switch 43 land the contacts of a normally closed relay switch 74 and reset timer switch 48. yIf a quarter is deposited into the coin mechanism, it causes the twenty-five cent switch 65 to be moved t-o its y position to complete an electrical circuit to motor 58 through the y positions of switches 65, 26 and 43 and the closed relay switch 74 and reset timer switch 48. The twenty-tive cent switch 65 is caused to remain in its y position mechanically until motor 58 operates to close and open switch 61 ve times. Such closing and opening of switch 61 causes stepper electrom'agnet 66 to become energized and de-energized ve successive times through .a circuit completed through a closed holding switch 75, the y position of cancel switch 68, the y positions of switches 26 and 43, closed relay switch 74, and reset timer switch 48. A predetermined number of electrical pulses (corresponding to a preset purchase price) delivered to the stepper electromagnet 66 moves stepper vend switch 62 from its x position to its y position, thereby energizing bag -motor 25 and a vend relay coil 76. The energization of vend relay coil 76 effects the closing of normally open relay switches 77 and 78 and the opening of normally closed relay switch 74. The closing of relay switch 78 causes a stepper reset electromagnet 81 to become energized through reset timer switch 48 and relay switch 78. The energization of stepper reset electromagnet 81 causes the stepper vend mechanism to be reset by the action of a spring within the stepper vend mechanism and the stepper vend switch 62 is returned from its y position to its x position, thereby conditioning the stepper vend mechanism `for the next vend cycle. The bag motor 25 remains energized through a motor cycle switch 82, the now closed relay switch 77, and reset timer switch 48. The vend relay coil 76 remains energized through the now closed relay switch 77 and reset timer switch 48.

The closing of relay switch 78 causes the escrow cash tbox solenoid 72 to become energized at the sa-me time stepper reset electromagnet 81 is energized through the y position of reset switch 73. The energization of the escrow cash box solenoid releases the deposited coins to a coin receiving compartment of coin box 21.

At -any time prior to the time the vend price is reached, the manual cancel switch 68 may be moved manually from its x position to its y position, thereby causing the escrow coin return solenoid 69 to become energized through the x positions of cancel switch 68, bag switch 26 and ice bin switch 43, relay switch 74, and reset timer switch 48. This causes the coin holding mechanism to return the deposited coins to the customer at coin return receptacle 83.

The energization of the escrow coin return solenoid 69 causes reset switch 73 to move from its y position to its x position to complete a circuit to the stepper reset electrom-agnet 81, which resets the stepper vend mechanism for the next vend cycle. When the coins are delivered to the coin compartment of the coin box, bag motor 26 is operated to cause a bag to be dispensed and then open bag cycle switch 82 to break the circuit to bag motor 25.

If either the ice bin or bag dispenser is empty, rejection of coins inserted into the coin mechanism is caused by a coin return electromagnetic device 67 which also is arranged in coin rejecting condition whenever coin return electromagnet 69 is de-energized. Coin return electromagnet 67 is normally energized at the :beginning of a delivery cycle through an electrical circuit from lines L2 to L1 through the x position of ve cent coin switch 63, the x position of ten cent coin switch 64, the x position of twentyfive cent coin switch 65, the full or y position of =bag switch 26, the full or y position of bin switch 43, normally closed relay switch 74, and normally closed reset timer switch 48. But if either the bag switch 26 or bin switch 43 is in the empty, or x position, the circuit to coin return electromagnet 67 will be broken and electromagnet 67 de-energized. Once the coin return electromagent 67 is energized, it remains energized throughout the coin acceptance period of the Idelivery cycle through holding switch 75, which is closed by coin return electromagnet 67.

In the dispensing operation, the customer removes the dispensed 4bag from the bag dispensing slot 24, opens the bag fully, opens the vend Ibox door 27 and places the bag within the weighing box 29, i.e. in such a manner that the opening of the bag extends around an ice vending spout at the ice delivery station. The apparatus is then arranged for the vending of the ice bodies. After closing the vend door 27, the customer presses the vend Abutton 33 which energizes a relay 84 through the .x position of stepper vend switch 62, relay switch 77, and reset timer switch 48.

The energization of relay coil 84 causes relay switches 85 and 86 to close and relay switch `53 to open. The closing of relay switch 85 holds in relay coil 84 when the vend switch 33 is released to its normally open position, completing a bypass circuit. Vend switch 33 is spring urged to its normally open position. The closing of relay switch 86 energizes the auger motor phase winding 88 from line L2 through the door closed position of door switch 55, an overload switch 91, a normally closed relay switch 92, a relay switch 93, and the reset timer switch 48 to line L1. The closing of relay switch 86 also causes the energization of auger motor main winding 94. A centrifugal switch 95 is provided for de-energizing phase winding 88 when motor 42 comes up to speed. The closing of relay switch 86 additionally causes the vend lamp 56 to become energized through the door closed position of door switch 55, overload switch 91, and relay switch 92. Vend light 56 indicates that vending is in process.

The closing of the vend switch 33 by the customer also starts the reset timer 47 through an electrical circuit from line L2, relay switch 85, the x position of stepper vend switch 62, relay switch 77, and reset timer switch 48 to line L1, to limit the time of the ice delivery cycle, if not terminated by weight.

The auger motor 42 turns the screw angers 35 and 36 and the reinforced rubber conveyor belt 34. The horizontal screw angers 35 and 36 move ice bodies through the storage bin outlet 18 in the center of the storage Ibin bottom wall 16 and the conveyor 34 moves them forward and deposits them in the bag in vend box 28. If the vend door 27 is opened during the ice delivery cycle, the electrical circuit to the auger motor 42 will be broken .by the vend door switch 55 moving from its door close-d position to its door open position and the augers and conveyor will stop. Closing the vend door will re-energize the auger motor 42. Opening the door, however, ldoes not disconnect the timer motor of reset timer' 47.

When a predetermined weight, e.g. approximately six pounds of ice, has been dispensed into the bag, the

weight of the ice bodies moves weighing box 29 downward, opening the weight switch 46 thereby breaking the circuit to relay coil 76. This de-energizes vend relay coil 76 resulting in opening of vend relay switches 77 and 78 and closing of vend relay switch 74. The opening of relay switch 77 interrupts the circuit between line L1 and relay coil 84 resulting in opening of relay switch 86 to interrupt the electrical circuit to motor 42 causing motor 42 to stop the vending operations. Reset timer 47 has been preset to termin-ate the delivery cycle after lapse of a preselected interval, e.g. 20 seconds, in case the ice dispensing mechanism fails to convey the ice, or in case the customer stops the vending by holding the door 27 open. This terminates the delivery cycle, and removing the `bagged ice cubes prepares the machine for the next customer.

The agitation timer 44, connected between lines L1 and L2, runs continuously while power is supplied to lines L1 and L2. The agitation timer 44 is preset to close the normally open timer switch 45 for a selected interval, e.g. 6 seconds, periodically, e.g. every three hours. During the time the ice vending machine is not in a delivery cycle, the closing of timer switch 45 effects the energization of agitation relay 52 through Ian electrical circuit established from line L2 through the closed door position of door switch 55, normally closed relay switch 53, agitation delay switch 54, agitation timer switch 45, normally closed relay switch 74, and reset timer switch 48, to line L1. The energization of relay coil 52 causes relay switches 98 and 99 to close. The closing of relay switch 98 effects the energization of a relay coil 102 through reset timer switch 48, relay switch 74, relay switch 99, normally closed relay switch 53, and the door closed position of door switch 55 to line L2. The closing of the normally open 4relay switch 99 completes a circuit to motor winding 94 by way of reset timer switch 48, overload switch 91, relay switch 53, and the door closed position of door switch 55. At the same time a circuit is completed to winding 88 of auger motor 42, in the reverse direction from that supplied during the delivery cycle, from line L2 by way of the door closed position of door switch 55, relay switch 53, overload switch 91, a relay switch 103, a relay switch 104, relay switch 98, normally closed relay switch 74, an-d resettimer switch 48 to line L1. This energizationof the auger motor windings causes the auger motor to run in the reverse direction thereby agitating the ice in ice -bin 14 to prevent the ice from freezing together and to insure a thorough mixing of the stored cubes in the bin to prevent the vending of cubes from only a limited portion of the bin. This reversing of the auger motor lasts for only the preset interval of 6 seconds and then the agitation timer 44 causes the opening of the agitation timer switch 45 to de-energize the cirucits to the phase and main windings of the auger motor 42 Iby interrupting the electrical circuit to the relay coils 52 and 102. The reversing of the auger motor is prevented if the ice vending machine is in a vend cycle by the opening of normally closed relay switch 53, which, when open, interrupts the circuit between line L2 and relay coil 52. Relay coil 84 is energized during the vending cycle to open relay switch 56.

If the auger motor 42 is in the agitation phase when a delivery cycle is initiated, the insertion of coins to reach the vend price will cause relay coil 76 to be energized, as described above. The energization of relay coil 76 causes the opening of normally closed relay switch 74. The opening of relay switch 74 removes power from relay coil 52 and thereby causes relay switch 99' to open and de-energize auger motor 42.

The agitation delay switch '54 is also operable responsive to weight and prevents the initiation of agitation at any time there are three or more pounds of ice in ice weighing compartment or box 29. This prevents instantaneous reversal of the auger motor 42 or continued rotation of auger motor 42 if the agitation timer 44 were to close agitation switch 45 at the instant the delivery cycle ends.

Once the stepper vend mechanism reaches the vend position, neither the closing of the empty bag switch 26 nor the closing of the ice bin switch 43 will effect the vend operation since this part of the electrical circuit containing these two switches is caused to remain de-energized during the delivery cycle once the stepper vend switch 62 moves from its x position to its y position to effect the energization of relay 76 which, in turn, causes the opening of relay switch 74. The opening of relay switch 74 de-energizes the portion of the electrical circuitry controlled or effected by the empty bag switch 26 and the ice bin switch 43, and relay switch 74 remains open during the remainder of the delivery cycle.

While we have shown and described one embodiment of our invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made without departing 4from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows:

1. In an ice maker including means for collecting a plurality of ice bodies and defining a dispensing outlet, agitating means comprising:

a conveyor for moving the collected ice bodies in a first direction toward said outlet for dispensing the same and alternatively in a second direction other than toward the outlet for agitating the same, means defining a vend space for receiving ice bodies from said outlet and including a door for providing access to said space when in open position, and

control means for controlling said conveyor for periodic movement in the second direction during a timed interval and including means for preventing movement of said conveyor when said door is in open position.

2. In an ice maker including means for collecting a plurality of ice bodies,

means for dispensing the collected ice bodies,

irst control means for stopping said dispensing means responsive to weight of dispensed ice bodies, and

second control means for stopping said dispensing means responsive to expiration of a timed interval.

3. The ice maker of claim 2 including door means on said dispensing means movable to open position for receiving dispensed ice bodies therefrom, and third control means for stopping said dispensing means responsive to movement of said door means to open position.

4. In an ice maker including means for collecting a plurality of ice bodies,

means dening a dispensing station,

means movable in a first direction for moving the collected ice bodies toward said station for dispensing the same and movable in a second direction for agitating the same,

means responsive to a predetermined weight of ice bodies moved to said station for stopping said moving means,

means for timing a predetermined time interval from starting of -movement of said movable means in said tirst direction, and

means responsive to expiration of the timed interval for stopping said moving means.

5. The ice maker of claim 4 including means for periodically timing a second predetermined time interval for controlling said moving means to move in the second direction during timing of said second time interval, means responsive to a second predetermined Iweight less than the rst mentioned predetermined Weight for overriding said last mentioned timing means to delay said moving means from moving in the second direction.

6. In an ice maker including means for collecting a plurality of ice bodies and means for agitating collected ice bodies in said collecting means and delivering collected ice bodies from said collecting means,

control means for said agitating and delivering means for establishing 'and initiating an agitating cycle of operation and a delivering cycle of operation, and

means for delaying initiation of a delivering cycle until o termination of an agitating cycle in process at the time such initiation is attempted.

7. In an ice maker including means for collecting a plurality of ice bodies and defining a dispensing outlet, agitating means comprising:

conveyor means movable in first and second directions respectively for moving the collected ice bodies toward said outlet for dispensing the same and for moving the collected ice bodies alternatively in a direction other than toward the outlet for agitating the same,

manually operable means for energizing said moving means for movement in the iirst direction, means periodically establishing a timed interval for energizing said moving means for movement in the second direction during the timed interval, and

override means responsive to said manually operable means for disabling continued energization of said moving means from moving in said second direction during the remainder of the timed interval.

8. In an ice maker including means for collecting a plurality of ice bodies and means defining an ice delivery station,

conveyor means for moving the collected ice bodies in a first direction for delivering from said collecting means and for moving the collected ice bodies to said ice delivery station and alternatively in a second direction for agitating ice bodies in said collecting means,

means for supporting an ice receptacle at said delivery station for receiving ice from said conveyor means, means for sensing a plurality of different values of receptacle weight at said supporting means,

coin operable means for generating a signal responsive to receipt of a correct ice purchase price by said coin operable means,

means energized by said signal and manually operable for initiating an ice delivery cycle and controlling said conveyor means for moving ice bodies in said first direction during the ice delivery cycle,

a first timer means for periodically initiating an ice agitation cycle and controlling said conveyor means for moving in said second direction for a predetermined first time interval defining the ice agitation cycle,

means overriding said timer means for terminating the agitation cycle responsive to operation of said manually operable means while energized to initiate the ice delivery cycle,

means responsive to sensing by said sensing means of a value of Weight corresponding to weight of ice to be delivered for said correct ice purchase price terminating the delivery cycle,

second timer means energized by said manually operable means for timing a predetermined second interval and for terminating the delivery cycle responsive to expiration of the timed interval in the absence of the sensing of the weight value prior to expiration of the second -timed interval, and

means overriding said rst timer means and preventing the agitation cycle during the delivery cycle.

9. In an ice maker including means for collecting a plurality of ice bodies and means defining an ice delivery station,

conveyor means for moving the collected ice bodies in a first direction for delivering from said collecting means and for moving the collected ice bodies to said ice delivery station and alternatively in a second direction for agitating ice bodies in said collecting means,

means for supplying an ice receptacle,

means for supporting the ice receptacle at said delivery station for receiving ice from said conveyor means,

means `for sensing a plurality of different Values of receptacle weight at said supporting means,

means for establishing and initiating an ice delivery cycle and controlling said conveyor means for moving ice bodies in said rst direction during the ice delivery cycle,

means for periodically initiating an ice agitation cycle and controlling said conveyor means for moving in said second direction,

means responsive to sensing of a first value of weight by said sensing means for terminating the delivery cycle, and means responsive to sensing of a second weight value by said sensing means for blocking control by said agitation cycle initiating means and delaying actuation of said conveyor means for movement in said second direction. 10. In an ice maker including means for collecting a plurality of ice bodies and means defining an ice delivery station,

conveyor means for moving the collected ice bodies in a rst direction for delivering from said collecting means and for moving the collected ice bodies to said ice delivery station and alternatively in a second direction for agitating ice bodies in said collecting means, means for supporting an ice receptacle at said delivery station for receiving ice from said conveyor means,

access door means movable to an open position for providing access to said delivery station for supporting said receptacle on said supporting means and movable to a closed position with said receptacle supported by said supporting means,

means for establishing and initiating an ice delivery cycle and controlling said conveyor means for moving ice bodies in said rst direction during the ice delivery cycle, timer means for establishing `and periodically initiating an ice agitation cycle and controlling said conveyor means for moving in said second direction for a predetermined time interval dening the ice Iagitation cycle, and

means responsive to movement of said door means to open position for stopping said conveyor means from moving in either direction and for blocking control of said conveyor means by said first timer means.

11. In an ice maker including means for collecting a plurality of ice bodies and means deiining an ice delivery station,

conveyor means for moving the collected ice bodies in a first direction for delivering from said collecting means and for moving the collected ice bodies to said ice delivery station and alternatively in a second direction for agitating ice cubes in said collecting means,

means for supplying an ice receptacle,

means for supporting the ice receptacle at said delivery station for receiving ice from said conveyor means, access door means movable to an open position for providing access to said delivery station for supporting on said supporting means said receptacle supplied by 10 said supplying means, and movable to a closed position with said receptacle so supported by said supporting means,

means for sensing a plurality of diiferent values of receptacle weight at said supporting means,

means manually operable for establishing and initiating an ice delivery cycle while in an energized state and controlling said conveyor means for moving ice bodies in said lirst direction during the ice delivery cycle,

coin operable means for controlling said receptacle supplying means to supply a receptacle and for placing said manually operable means in the energized state responsive to receipt of a correct ice purchase price by said coin operable means,

a first timer means for periodically initiating an ice agitation cycle and controlling said conveyor means for moving in said second direction for a predetermined time interval defining the ice agitation cycle,

means overriding said timer means for terminating the agitation cycle responsive to operation `of said manually operable means for initiating the ice delivery cycle,

means responsive to an empty condition of said receptacle supplying means for preventing the ice delivery cycle,

means responsive to an empty condition of said ice collecting means for preventing the ice delivery cycle,

means responsive to sensing of a rst value of Weight by said sensing means for terminating the delivery cycle,

second timer means energized by said manually operable means for timing an interval upon initiation of the delivery cycle and for terminating the delivery cycle responsive to expiration of the time interval,

means for delaying actuation of said conveyor means responsive to initiation `of the agitation cycle While said conveyor means is moving in said iirst direction,

means responsive to sensing of a second weight value by said sensing means for blocking control by said rst timer means and delaying actuation of said conveyor means for movement in said second direction, an

means responsive to movement of said door means to open position for stopping said conveyor means from moving in either direction and for blocking control of said conveyor means by said iirst timer means while permitting timing by said second timer means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,216,213 10/1965 Eschenburg et al. 62-344 X 3,225,968 12/ 1965 Winkler et al. 222-263 X RICHARD B. WILKINSON, Primary Examiner. G. H. MILLER, JR., Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN AN ICE MAKER INCLUDING MEANS FOR COLLECTING A PLURALITY OF ICE BODIES AND DEFINING A DISPENSING OUTLET, AGITATING MEANS COMPRISING: A CONVEYOR FOR MOVING THE COLLECTED ICE BODIES IN A FIRST DIRECTION TOWARD SAID OUTLET FOR DISPENSING THE SAME AND ALTERNATIVELY IN A SECOND DIRECTION OTHER THAN TOWARD THE OUTLET FOR AGITATING THE SAME, MEANS DEFINING A VEND SPACE FOR RECEIVING ICE BODIES FROM SAID OUTLET AND INCLUDING A DOOR FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO SAID SPACE WHEN IN OPEN POSITION, AND CONTROL MEANS FOR CONTROLLING SAID CONVEYOR FOR PERIODIC MOVEMENT IN THE SECOND DIRECTION DURING A TIMED INTERVAL AND INCLUDING MEANS FOR PREVENTING MOVEMENT OF SAID CONVEYOR WHEN SAID DOOR IS IN OPEN POSITION. 